Crista Souza EETimes Supply Network (05/14/2007 3:18 PM EST)

Extending its reach into the South China region, Agility has acquired ocean-freight forwarder, Guangzhou Runtong International Transportation Company Limited (GRITCL), for an undisclosed sum.

GRITCL, whose annual revenues are estimated to be between $5 million and $10 million, has 138 employees in six Chinese provinces, with branch offices in Guangxi, Sichuan, Fujian, Yunnan and Chongqing. The deal will give Agility a presence of 14 offices in China.

When the acquisition is complete, Agility plans to make GRITCL's Guanghzhou headquarters its base of operations for China. Additionally, the company intends to expand GRITCL's range of services to include airfreight and logistics solutions, said Wolfgang Hollermann, CEO of Asia Pacific operations for Agility.

"It is important that we provide our customers with comprehensive services to meet their individual business needs throughout China," he said. "By integrating Guangzhou Runtong International Transportation Company Limited into our global network, we have extended our reach into the region and enhanced our service offering."

Agility is a $4.5 billion-revenue global logistics provider headquartered in Kuwait. The company formerly operated as the PWC Logistics group of companies, which included brands such as GeoLogistics, TransOceanic, and Trans-Link.